Create the illusion of larger space with color, mirrors

Magic tricks fascinate most people. Not only do we wonder how the illusions were achieved, we find momentary glee in seeing something happen that seems to go against all rules of nature. Call it sleight of hand or deception; we love to be fooled!

Why not bend natural forces to make it appear that there is more space in one of your rooms?

First of all, pay attention to what is outside your windows, even if you don't have a view you can manipulate. If what you see is another building, look at the color of that structure. Can you see sky? Pull those colors into your room.

For example, you might paint your room sky blue and use terra cotta in accents, such as throw pillows or wall art. Your space will flow into the color of the sky and appear greater.

In the example from this photo, palm fronds wave outside the windows, so introducing simple art done in tones of plant green and aqua visually unites the room with the view beyond the glass. The extension is achieved by using a philodendron on a simple white canvass. Notice that the bottom of the art nearly lines up with the lower edge of the windows. Rather efficiently, the outside is drawn inside.

Mirrors are often underused. If you have concerns over what will be reflected, use a smaller and portable framed mirror for a test. Place the mirror on a ladder or lean it against the wall by placing it on the back of a chair or sofa. Try to glimpse what might be reflected once you install a large mirror on your wall.

There are loads of ways to get hold of a good-sized mirror, and you should not be afraid of a mirror being too large. Scour vintage shops and consignment stores for a mirror that might be 3 to 4 feet by 6 or 7 feet high. If the mirror is too large for your car, or if you have no way to transport it, ask if there is a delivery service that might haul the piece to your home.

I found a 46-by-60 inch wood-framed mirror for around $400 at a consignment store and paid for delivery and installation. It literally opened up my tiny living room space in ways that I didn't imagine because it reflects sky blue and the green of outdoor pine trees. I may have spent $600 all told, but it certainly was significantly less than trying to add square footage.

Another trick is to paint the space and ceiling in the same color, as long as it is a version of white to a mid-tone color. By reducing the contrasts between floor and the rest of the space, you can often inch the room to feel larger.

However, in our example, all of the surfaces are white and the floor is rather dark by comparison. This also works. There are numerous ways to use paint as a unifier of all surfaces and no clear path that works in every situation. Take the time to ponder how to handle woodwork and architectural features that stretch beyond four straight walls.

Finally, avoid thick and bulky elements and furnishings in smaller rooms. This extends to countertops, baseboards or wood trim pieces. If you have a choice regarding the arm style for a sofa, veer away from large and exaggerated arms or backs. Choose simple and minimal lines. Consider styles that sit up off the floor and rest on feet that allow a little space to flow under furnishings. Select basic frames for artwork or no frames at all. Reduce the amount of clutter that you display and when in doubt, remove things from a room.

Every few months I force myself to march around the house and really look at what is sitting on the coffee table, the hearth, the sideboard or the bookshelves. If you don't need it, remove it!

• Christine Brun is a San Diego-based interior designer and the author of “Small Space Living.” Send questions and comments to her by email at christinebrun@sbcglobal.net.

© 2016, Creators Syndicate